"For 10 Years the Celtic City Sons have excited audiences with their powerful high energy Celtic rock."

"These indie folk-rockers employed a punk ethos to tackle the rich and centuries-old tradition of Celtic music. It's not surprising then that the band was compared to The Pogues, The Levellers and Wedding, Parties, Anything".

Ronnie MacDonald, a North Sea Gas (Scottish folk band)member played for a 12-year stint in Australia with the Celtic City Sons.

"Mutiny is an Australian folk punk band based in Melbourne. Their slogan is "Folk punk for punk folk". They first formed in 1991 and have performed in Australia, Europe and the US. The original members were Chris Patches (vocals, drums), Greg Stainsby (guitar, mandolin), Briony Grigg (vocals, 12 string guitar), and Alice Green (bass). Chris originally sang in Melbourne crust band Compost. Greg and Alice were members of Melbourne punk band Insyte. Their songs tend to revolve around lives and issues of the working class and convicts, with a strong thread of Australian history throughout all of their releases. Their sound is often referred to as 'pirate' as their melding of folk sounds with punk imagery, politics and style gives many of their songs the feel of a jig. The use of a mandolin and piano accordion add to this feel as well. They have a strong anti-authoritarian philosophy and this comes out in their music and live shows. They played throughout the UK and Europe in 1994 and again through Europe in 1997. They also toured the United States in 1999. Greg Stainsby, Alice Green and Mark Jennings are currently also in The Currency."

"Sforzando are a band from Melbourne, Australia who describe themselves as a "7-piece pirate orchestra" (fans usually refer to them simply as a "pirate band"). Their musical style combines elements of punk, Western European folk music and sea shanties to create "a soundscape for the ocean", and there is a notable Irish influence on their sound, though they have recently delved into the world of psych folk as well. They mostly perform live at venues in Melbourne but also regularly tour various music festivals around Australia."

"SFZ is pronounced 'Sforzando' or 'Ess Eff Zed'. Either/or. On all good pirate ships there existed a pirate orchestra. It was the orchestra's responsibility to chronicle in song the adventures of the pirates. SFZ are an 8-piece pirate orchestra who blend ferocious punk, Western European folk melodies and classic sea shanties to create a soundscape for the ocean. They sing of sailors that can't swim, ships that won't sail, dangerous mermaids and sirens ravishing the waves, mutineers, the vengeance of the sea Gods, the fury of the ocean, the destruction of the shoreline, the poetry of waves and of course, pirates. Specially pirates."

A punk ethos runs through the band - so much so that one critic claimed The Go Set could be likened to imagining "the political sentiment and social conscience of Billy Bragg or early Midnight Oil whilst drinking copious amounts and jamming with The Pogues and AC/DC, in a sweaty pub gig on a Friday night".

They cite influences such as The Pogues, Weddings Parties Anything, The Clash and Radio Birdman, as the most influential groups in their music, and have a particularly Australian social and political emphasis within their lyrics.

“The Pugs came out of their corner swinging, in early 2008. The lightweight acoustic duo soon grew into a heavyweight folk rock band. After a few near knockouts due to member losses, The Pugs collapsed back into their corner. But after a stirring training montage worthy of the Rocky franchise, they've spat out the blood, wiped off the sweat and refused to throw in the towel.

“Sydney City Trash is a Sydney-based Country/Punk band. Three of its six members grew up in the small town of Tamworth in rural New South Wales, which is also Australia's Country Music Capital and their country roots are frequently reflected in the band's lyrics. The band has been described as the "saviours of Australian Country," and is widely respected for its "bitingly satirical and dense storytelling lyrics

Vocalist and Lyricist Mitch Hell was raised in Tamworth in rural New South Wales. After moving to Sydney and fronting various punk, straight edge, hardcore and Oi! bands he met up with former high school mate and fellow Tamworth survivor Paddy 'toots' McHugh in spring of 2001. The pair wrote their first song the now famous 'Whiskey in the Sun' in the early 2002 and recorded several incarnations of this song over the next year mostly as a joke, poking fun of where they were raised. However it wasn’t until 2003 with the addition of another Tamworth survivor Matthew 'Browny' Brown the band really started taking shape.

The three Tamworth boys dragged in whatever musicians they could find and busked on the streets of Tamworth during the 2003 Country Music Festival, playing mainly covers by Merle Haggard, David Allen Coe, The Descendents and The Clash. After the festival and inspired by the thrill of performing the boys went into 'Hilltop Studios' in Tamworth to record a demo with the idea of getting a real band together.

The demo worked and by mid 2003 the boys had recruited a drummer. All six of the boys rehearsed and in late 2003 went back in to 'Hilltop Studio' to record their first EP the now legendary "Classic Cuntry Hits."

Over the next year the boys worked hard playing any gig going and writing as much as possible. They became inspired by old Australian bush and folk bands such as Redgum, Roaring Jack and the Dingo's. They were also heavily influenced by Celtic punk bands such as the Pogues and Flogging Molly. All these influences were used and shaped to make the bands first full length album “Once Upon A Time in Australia” which was released on Scott Mac of Toe to Toe's label Sold Our Souls

The boys went in to record at the 'Brain Studios' in Surry Hills, Sydney in early 2009 for their upcoming release. Rumor has it this release is a return to the more country sound.”

Please visit www.shitenonions.com and click on the right on “Featured band”“Hear ye! Here ye!“ ALL THE NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA with Will Swan". There you will find comments on the main Aussie bands. And, if you have already registered, you can log-in and read the following thread at the messageboard: Rustic stomp & Gaelic Legacies: A ragged sermon

It seems that when I was working on this sampler, the spirit of the “Sandinista!” sessions was flying over me, because finally I have made a 3 CD sampler. (two CDs + an out-takes CD)

1) The Rumjacks (Sydney, New South Wales)

I guess that everybody knows them. Will’s band has released a couple of EP in only one year and we are eager to hear a full album

“McAlpine’s Fusiliers combine traditional folk instruments of fiddle, accordion and banjo with a punk rhythm to produce high energy and passionate music that is committed to continuing the burning social relevance of folk music. Their Do It Yourself attitude has won them a large loyal fan base that sees them constantly hitting the road to play. They self released their debut CD "Sons & Daughters of the Soil" in June 2007 which was recorded at Pan Studios Geelong with Producer Sally Laver.”

“From the backstreets of Melbourne town comes the newest chapter in the Irish, Punk Rock scene. They take traditional Irish jigs and twist them to make them their own. After a few months of drinking, singing and writing, The Hornswagglers sound was beginning to emerge.

As the days drew on and the nights began to fall, the pieces of their music jigsaw puzzle were falling into place. Every song they play is something new and exciting; whether it be a Gaelic jig, with a punk feel or even some traditional punk with a bossa twist, their unique sound will always leave you wanting more.”

“Driza was becoming increasingly concerned with the number of young Australian musicians emulating a sound and culture that failed to reflect the history / roots of the performers and punters alike. Although supportive of all Australian music, we found it difficult to listen to young white suburban men from blue collar, middle class backgrounds attempting to portray themselves as poverty stricken, struggling, gangsters.

The Handsome Young Strangers set out to remind the live music audience that we have a rich, often bloody, heritage coloured with struggle and triumph to draw upon, and that much of it has been etched onto the pages of history through song. Flagship Bush bands had come and gone, and with the Bushwackers slowing down, it was time for a New Generation to step up and continue to spread the stories from our past and celebrate our unique culture.”

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

The Aussie band The Rumjacks has released a new EP: "Sound as a Pound".

This is the tracklist:

1.All The Old Winejacks2.Shadrach Hannigan3.Kirkintilloch4.My Time Again5.Katoomba6.Marie’s Wedding

"Since their inception in 2008, The Rumjacks have played up and down the Australian East Coast and can be found working the sweaty dens of Sydney and the hinterland every week. They have two EPs available, ‘Hung, Drawn & Portered’ and the brand new ‘Sound As A Pound’. Their consistent drive and energy has scored them festival shows and support slots with overseas acts such as UK Subs."

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Shane MacGowan and The Popes is a band formerly led by Shane MacGowan of the Pogues, who play a blend of rock, and Irish folk, sometimes referred to as Paddy Beat, borrowing from World Beat, a popular genre name in the 1980s. Shane MacGowan and the Popes released two studio and one live album in the 1990s. As well as serving as MacGowan's backing band, The Popes recorded one studio and one live album without MacGowan, and have toured on their own.

The band's line up has changed through the years. Members have included Paul 'Mad Dog' McGuinness (guitar), Tom McManamon (banjo), Andy Ireland (drums, vocals), and Bob Dowling (bass). Past members have included Mick O'Connell (accordion), Kieran "Mo" O' Hagan (Acoustic guitar, vocals), John Myers (fiddle, tin whistle), Danny Heatley (aka Danny Pope) (drums), Berni "The Undertaker" France (bass), Colm O'Maonlai (whistle), and Kieran Kiely (accordion, whistle). Long-time friend of McGowan, Johnny Depp joined to promote the single, 'That Woman's Got Me Drinking' in October 1994. Depp played guitar on the track, directed and appeared in the video, and made a string of appearances with Shane.

Discography (only albums):

The Snake (October 1994)The Crock of Gold (October 1997)The Rare Oul' Stuff, a 2-disc best-of collection, (January 2002)Across the Broad Atlantic: Live on Paddy's Day - New York and Dublin (February 2002)

This is a live recording including songs from "The Snake" and "The Crock of Gold" (320 kbps)

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Roaring Jack is an Australian Celtic punk/Folk punk band of the 1980s and 1990s. The band formed in 1985 and played their first shows in Sydney in 1986. Original members were Alistair Hulett (acoustic guitar and vocals), Dave Williams (bass), Steve Thompson (drums), Bob (Rab) Mannell (electric guitar and bouzouki) and Hunter Owens (accordion/mandolin and vocals).

Owens was later replaced by Steve (Steph) Miller on the same instruments and on vocals. Rod Gilchrist replaced Steve Thompson on drums after the recording of their first album.

The band built a cult following by playing the Sydney pub circuit eventually scoring regular slots at the Harold Park Hotel in Glebe and the Sandringham Hotel in Newtown. Their music had a strong political focus with emphasis on Scottish sectarianism, Aboriginal Rights and union activism. In keeping with this the band gave many benefit performances for a diverse range of left wing causes, including the workers of Cockatoo Island with fellow rebel rousers Urban Guerillas, Tim Anderson and against the first Gulf War.

The band went on to support the likes of Billy Bragg, the Pogues and The Men They Couldn't Hang during their Australian tours.

Roaring Jack recorded for independent Sydney label Mighty Boy Records. They released the "Street Celtability" mini-LP in 1987, "The Cat Among The Pigeons" LP (1988) and "Through The Smoke Of Innocence" LP (1990). German label Jump Up Records released all of these as "The Complete Works", a double CD package, in 2002.

Some of their best remembered songs include ‘Buy Us A Drink’, ‘The Old Divide And Rule’, ‘Destitution Road’ and ‘We Don’t Play No Elton Fucking John’. A video was made for the single 'Framed', the song which raised awareness of the Campaign Exposing the Frame-Up of Tim Anderson.

The band split in 1992. Alistair Hulett now has a successful solo career as an internationally recognised folk musician. Steph Miller formed his own band, The Wickermen in 1991 and spent most of the 1990s as a multi-instrumentalist in the successful Sydney band, Eva Trout. Steph released a solo CD, Strange Sea, in 2004.

This sampler features three bands from countries whose samplers were already posted and one band from a new country, Rumania.

BlackPint are from Tre Valli, Ticino (Switzerland). The band was founded in 2005, by 3 ex members of PunkSeck, ivaN, Vito and Jack. After having looked for additional musicians, Laura and Sara joined the band.

The kind of music that the band plays is "Combat Folk Punk", a blend between folk music (usually Irish folk) and punk rock music. The word "combat" is added because of the political lyrics that they sing.

After a while the band began to write their own songs, thanks to the musical experience of the band players.

All the songs from their debut EP are included here, but if you prefer to have it separate with its own original artwork, this is the link. Once you are in the page, you have to click on CLICCA QUI:

Hakka Muggies is a rock band based in Prague, Czech Republic, and was founded in 2002. Its music is strongly inspired by the folk music of countries with a Celtic tradition, mainly Ireland and Britanny (France).

The current band's line-up includes vocals, bodhran,flute, violin, electric guitar,bass guitar and drumset.

Folk and rock musicians meet to play an explosive blend of Irish Speed-Powerfolk, Celtic-Folkrock and Dublin Funk Grunge.Their repertoire is full of songs about the Emerald Island, Irish rebels, the fight for freedom, love and powerful and fast tunes.The five members, playing fiddle, banjo, mandolin, acoustic guitar, bodhran, drums, bass and electric guitar, make a sound in which traditional Irish songs and tunes, "cooked" with chili & pepper, are turned into party songs.www.paddymurphy.at

Discography:

Demo

BlackBeers are from Oradea (Rumania). Originally, The Blackbeers was set up in August 1999, by Peter Moynahan (vocals, guitar, banjo, mandolin and kazoo) and Zoltan Biro (accordion, bagpipes and whistles). In october 1999, a fiddle player, Tunde Levay, joined them.

2003 was the year of their international debut, when they first got to play in Hungary, Belgium, U.K. and Ireland. At the end of the year a major change took place in their line-up when one of the founders of the band Zoltan Biro left the band and he was replaced by Johnny Doe who plays the whistles, the Irish flute and the bodhran.

In the spring of 2004, they recorded Cuig, their first studio album that was presented at several summer festivals and a pub-tour in October-December. At the end of the tour Johnny left the band and his place was taken by drummer/percussionist Misu Stana.

In 2005 they launched the new Celtic-Rock line-up and presented new lead-guitarist Norbert Scheck. But for the fans of traditional music they will keep an unplugged version as well.

"Under the influence of old school punk rock and traditional Celtic tunes, the McGillicuddys have been likened to a psycho ceilidh mixed with power chords. Electric guitar, bass and drums provide a thumping background, for the lashings of mandolin, tin whistle and accordion that complete the glorious din. This heady mixture is topped off with gritty real-life lyrics and catchy, boot-stomping songs that complete the full bodied McGillicuddys experience

The new CD "Sin Lane" is now available for purchase from our website

It's been a long time coming, but McGillicuddys' brand new CD, "Sin Lane" is now officially released. After nearly a year in the studio the new album is finally available for purchase. The CD may not yet be listed on our website, that's how new it is. We'll be providing more details about the new disk, so keep your eyes glued to this space. For now, you can check out the complete track list below. "Sin Lane" is currently available from the band and at gigs, and will be available very soon from the Store page of this site so you can get your very own copy by mail order.

1. Introduction to the lost tayps2. One day, after school... - Future Analysts3. Chat Noir - Sunshine and Snow4. Salvage my dream - Where new faces grow old5. The Frog Next Door - All we all want (is to fall in love)6. Elks - Commute7. Andy & the big shark - Our plans8. by by - Dirty day sludge9. Three sheets t'wind - Take me up to Monto10. rainbowcollector - Heartfelt and Foolish11. The Librarians - Orpheus12. the passing fancy - The whole world is a fluffy cushion to me13. (:jamiesaysmile:) - At the time14. Siobhan Reilly - Hold me15. Clive Smith & the world of the very young - Herald (today and tomorrow)

Released on Dec 1st. If you pre-order before then you will recieve a special bonus CD featuring some exclusive tracks by the bands featured and the great lost Whippets single 'Moscow Tokyo Disco Fiasco'.

Formed in late 2005 as The Rivers, The Righs is Oklahoma’s only Celtic-American Folk-Punk band. The band consists of Nate Williams (acoustic guitar/vocals), Jackson Smith (electric guitar/vocals), John Slawson (bass), Omid Nowrouzi (mandolin/vocals), Jian Azimi (fiddle) and David Johnson (drums).

Since the band’s first show in December 2005, The Righs have been making a name for themselves amongst punk, rock and folk fans across Oklahoma, as well as in Texas and Kansas, with their unique blend of musical styles that are incorporated into the overall sound. While some might immediately draw comparisons to obvious bands within the genre such as Flogging Molly or Dropkick Murphys, The Righs take pride in presenting a wholly unique sound that displays their tastes and talents.

In January 2008, The Righs released “The Rivers Run Deep,” the band’s first studio album, produced by Chris Harris at Bell Lab Studio and Subatomic Sound (now Hook Echo Sound) in Norman, OK. It was praised by Stephen Carradini of IndependentClauses.com as “an engaging and exciting listen, no matter what you normally listen to.” The album drew comparisons to a diverse blend of artists such as Neutral Milk Hotel, Beirut, The Suicide Machines and The Pogues.

In the Summer of 2009, The Righs began recording their second studio album, this time at Green House Recording Studio in Moore, OK, owned by drummer David Johnson. The album expands upon the diverse sound of the band while maturing that sound musically and lyrically based on the bands’ life experience. The album will release in Fall 2009.

Hi guys, gals & all our 'extended family' out there in the grand oul'U.S-of-A.,Jeez: ye are getting spoilt! - Two e-mails in a week!

I'll keep this brief (well...-ish - I do suffer from blarney-itis) :as you're all aware now, our new album 'Come out Fighting!' isbeing released on March 9th in the USA & Canada & we, therefore,quite obviously think we need to be over there to promote the buggerfor the period around St. Patrick's Day.

Our only problem is that we're not on a big label who can justcover the costs of getting us over there: it's got to pay for itself -so we need to get on a big event like ShamrockFest in DC which, apartfrom being idel for us, should help us break the back of thefinancial burden so we can get our arses back over Stateside again &play some shows for ya!

So - mas é do thóil é - we need your help!!!

It seems ShamrockFest have a twitter account and the last post isto please email the below address with suggestions for bands for 2010.So if you - & all your friends - could please e-mail thefollowing address, we need to see if we can create a buzz about gettingNECK onthe bill: